Assessing Students' Engagement in Scientific Practices: Implications for Science Education Reform

Abstract Over the past decade, scientific practices have emerged as a central paradigm in science education, reflecting a broader shift from content transmission toward epistemic engagement and authentic inquiry. This study employs bibliometric mapping to systematically analyze 594 peer-reviewed documents published between 2011 and 2025, aiming to explore how scientific practices have been defined, conceptualized, and assessed in the field. Results reveal a significant conceptual evolution: from the traditional notion of a linear scientific method to a multidimensional framework encompassing epistemic cognition, collaborative inquiry, and socio-scientific reasoning. Five key thematic clusters epistemic cognition, pedagogical models, nature of science, technology integration, and equity dominate the discourse. These clusters underscore the growing focus on student-centered, project-based, and digitally mediated learning environments. Despite growing interest and innovation in pedagogical strategies, assessment remains a persistent challenge. Traditional assessments fail to capture authentic engagement, prompting a call for performance-based and technologically supported tools that align with the complexity of scientific practices. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the increasing emphasis on equity and inclusivity, with citizen science initiatives serving as powerful models for democratizing science education. The findings offer strategic insights into the alignment of curriculum, teacher training, and assessment frameworks, ultimately contributing to global science education reform. By centering scientific practices, education systems can promote deeper learning, critical thinking, and civic engagement among learners worldwide.